Quantum Sensors Group

The Quantum Sensors Group develops advanced photon and particle sensors to measure energy and power more precisely than traditional technologies.  The sensors make use of (1) quantum effects, especially superconductivity, to provide high responsivity and (2) ultra-low temperatures to suppress noise.  Signals of interest span the electromagnetic spectrum from millimeter-waves produced in the earliest moments of the universe to gamma-rays produced by nuclear fuel.

The Quantum Sensors Group applies advanced sensors to challenging measurement problems in a wide range of fields.  The work often involves collaboration with companies and research institutes outside of NIST.  Devices fabricated by the Quantum Sensors Group have been used in places that include outer space, the South Pole, the Atacama Plateau, the summit of Mauna Kea, nuclear laboratories, quantum computers, particle accelerators and synchrotrons.

The Quantum Sensors Group has existed in various forms since its creation in the early 1990s.  Over this span of time, the Group has grown to more than 40 scientists, technicians, engineers, and students.  Members of the Group have done pioneering research on topics that include superconducting transition-edge sensors, SQUID multiplexing, parametric amplifiers, microwave kinetic inductance detectors, and several types of advanced refrigerators.  

The Quantum Sensors Group is presently divided into 4 sub-units:

• long wavelength sensors and applications
• quantum microcalorimeters
• quantum electronics
• device fabrication

Major activities of the Quantum Sensors Group include:

• superconducting x-ray and gamma-ray spectrometers for applications that include materials analysis and nuclear materials accounting
• superconducting microbolometers for applications that include understanding the early universe and concealed weapons detection
• advanced cryogenics to aid the dissemination of quantum electronics
• the determination of atomic and nuclear reference data to facilitate materials analysis
• support of U.S. industries that develop or use cryogenics, quantum sensors, and quantum computing

Some current projects include the Athena x-ray satellite, Simons Observatory, and CMB-S4.